Computational Neuroscience

Behavioral Informatics

eHealth

Quantitative Neuroendocrinology  

Computational neuroscience (CN) is strictly defined as the quantitative understanding of the function of the brain at the level of neuronal dynamics and neural networks. Natural outputs of CN studies are dynamic network models of brain regions or processes that, via computer simulation, provide a theoretical foundation and technology that enhances our understanding of their function. Emerging studies demonstrate the utility of CN to drug discovery and understanding of drug action/interaction.

Translated into the clinical environment of the Department of Psychiatric medicine, this definition is both narrowed and expanded by simultaneously focusing on area of strength at UVA and accounting for the diversity of studies in our department:

• The basic research focus area is on neural networks and feedback bioprocesses in health and disease, particularly on neuroendocrine control networks;
• The translational research focus is on eHealth, investigating the application and the utility of new technology into health care;
• An essential CN function is also the computational support to clinical studies in the department, accompanied by teaching and outreach activities.

Thus, the Computational Neuroscience section joins several complementary, cutting-edge, technology-related translational research and clinical areas with an underlying focus in neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, psychiatry and behavioral medicine creating a very unique and stimulating division, which helps put our department in the forefront of psychiatry and technology. It includes the Divisions of Quantitative Neuroendocrinology, eHealth, and Behavioral Informatics:

• The Division of eHealth is the bridging of healthcare and technology.  The primary focus of this area is in the development and testing of Internet health interventions.  These currently include interventions for insomnia, pediatric encopresis, and type 1 diabetes.  In addition, this division concentrates on the use of cutting-edge technologies in research and clinical care, such as the use of the Internet and hand held computers for prospective data collection.
• The Division of Quantitative Neuroendocrinology brings network modeling, systems approach and nonlinear dynamics to the analysis of multifaceted experiments, generally reflecting the new understanding of health and disease as properties of a complex living system that depend not only on its components, but also on its internal conduits and pathways of signaling.
• The Behavioral Informatics Division provides database, computing and statistical support to research projects in our department. Our ultimate goal is to create fully integrated databases that will be organized hierarchically to encompass the consecutive levels of data from molecular and genetic, through physiological networks, to human behavior.